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A High Roughage System for Raising Calves Based on Early Development of Rumen Function. VI. Influence of Hay to Grain Ratio on Calf Performance, Rumen Development, and Certain Blood Changes

Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster

ABSTRACT

Early establishment of mature type rumen function encouraged in young calves by feeding rations high in roughage along with fresh cud inoculations has been shown to be an aid in producing low cost dairy herd replacements (5, 6, 7, 15, 16).

In this experiment a study was made of the effects of feeding three different ratios of hay to grain (4:1, 3:2, 2:3) and an exclusive milk diet on feed consumption, growth, and efficiency of feed utilization. Also measured were changes with age in rumen volatile fatty acids, rumen pH, rumen microorganisms, blood glucose, and blood cholesterol in calves fed the various rations.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Twelve Jersey and nine Holstein calves were assigned to one of three groups at birth to be fed either a 4:1, 3:2, or 2:3 ratio of hay to grain. After a 3-day colostrum feeding period whole milk was fed twice daily at the daily rate of 1 lb. per 10 lb. of birth weight.

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